Police Warn About ‘tombstoning’ Risks

Wednesday 19th Dec 2018

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Wednesday 11 Jul 2018

Following a recent incident whereby a video showing youths tombstoning into a quarry pool in Llanberis was shared on social media, North Wales Police are issuing a further warning urging parents to know where their children are this summer.

Children are being warned that they risk death or serious injury if they jump off ledges into the water of an old quarry pool in the village after footage emerged over the weekend showing two youths narrowly escaping being injured or killed.

Sergeant Dafydd Curry of North Wales Police said: “We have seen via social media some very close calls where those jumping have been very close to serious injury – in particular the most recent video which clearly shows parts of the cliff edge and slate falling into the pool at Llanberis.

“We would urge children and teenagers to think long and hard about their behaviour. What may seem like an exciting dare or thrill at the time could have devastating or fatal consequences which will affect family and friends for the rest of their lives.

“Although it can be very tempting to jump into the nearest pool or lake to cool down on a hot day, or to swim in the water at disused quarries, the water depths are huge – up to 60 metres – and it can be very difficult to get out due to the steep faces. As well as the dangers associated with swimming at unsupervised and often remote places, jumping from the rocks also puts people in danger.

“Whilst we don’t want to spoil people’s fun we are asking parents to know where their children are this summer so they can enjoy themselves safely and responsibly. Many of these pools are on private land so parents should also speak to their children about the dangers of trespassing onto land with pools that contain hidden dangers such as sudden deep water and underwater currents.

Sgt Curry added: “It should also be stressed that the water temperature in these pools can be dangerously cold – even during prolonged periods of warm weather. The shock of the cold water may make it difficult for swimmers.”

Councillor Ioan Thomas, Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development said: “Some of the recent images seen on social media show the dangers of swimming in old quarry pools. We are therefore urging members of the public not to put themselves in unnecessary danger by swimming and taking part in unregulated tombstoning into disused quarry pools.

“These pools contain a number of potential hazards which could cause serious injury and the water may be far shallower than they appear to be. It should also be remembered that the water temperature in these pools can be dangerously cold even during prolonged periods of warm weather. “We are also appealing to parents to ensure that their children are aware of the dangers of trespassing on old industrial sites and to avoid swimming in any pools or lakes which may contain hidden dangers such as underwater currents or sudden deep water.”

Members of the local policing team in Llanberis will be patrolling the area and anybody who may have concerns are asked to contact PC 3097 Paul Williams on 07989167492 or PCSO 3954 Nia Roberts on 07974243266.